Across the United States, Black women, who have been long recognized as one of the most resilient and reliable pillars of the workforce, are facing a growing economic crisis. Today, more than 300,000 Black women are unemployed or underemployed, a number that reflects not only job loss but also a widening gap in opportunity, stability, and economic security.

This crisis is not accidental. It is the direct result of systemic barriers and the coordinated rollback of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives across government, nonprofit, and private-sector institutions. As programs designed to promote fairness and access are dismantled, Black women are increasingly pushed out of leadership pipelines, professional opportunities, and stable employment.

Even more troubling, official job reports often fail to capture the full scope of this crisis, masking the real economic harm being felt in communities across the country. The data gap allows policymakers and institutions to overlook a growing emergency that disproportionately affects Black women and their families.

For generations, Black women have been the backbone of communities, businesses, and public institutions. Yet today they are being systematically excluded from economic opportunity. This moment demands more than concern—it demands urgent action.

We are calling on federal, state, and local leaders to declare a State of Emergency for Black women’s unemployment and take immediate steps to address the structural inequities driving this crisis.

We demand immediate action:
1. Extend unemployment benefits and economic relief
Provide targeted support and extended unemployment benefits for Black women and other disproportionately impacted workers to stabilize families and communities.

2. Restore and invest in Equity-based Programs
Establish dedicated federal, state, and philanthropic funding streams to rebuild and expand Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives that support hiring, advancement, and workplace equity.

3. Invest in education, training, and workforce pathways
Fund programs that expand access to professional development, entrepreneurship, and emerging industries so Black women can thrive in the evolving economy.

4. Reform labor data and reporting
Ensure workforce statistics accurately capture the employment realities facing Black women and other marginalized groups so policies reflect the true scope of the crisis.

This is an economic justice issue.
When Black women are locked out of opportunity, entire communities lose stability, innovation, and economic power. Addressing this crisis is not only a matter of fairness, it is essential for a healthy and inclusive economy.

We cannot afford to ignore this emergency any longer.

Take Action Now

We call on policymakers, business leaders, philanthropies, and community organizations to recognize this crisis and act with urgency.

Sign this petition today.
Stand with Black women.
Demand a State of Emergency.
Push for policies that restore opportunity, dignity, and economic justice.

Together, we can ensure that Black women are not pushed to the margins of the workforce, but recognized, supported, and empowered to lead and thrive.